Programming is so hard because you have to learn the basic language before you can work with making proper applications.
I find learning the pure C++ language very boring, because there is no ability to create useful applications, just boring DOS text based programs.
Once you get into programming Windows or Linux (whatever you like more) applications, programming becomes about 80% more enjoyable, because you learn how to write REAL applications that can actually be useful.
Maybe this is why people learn Visual Basic. VB is a bit dodgy in my opinion, but at least it's up front programming where one can learn the Basic language and write Windows applications.
Oh well, I guess I am gonna be bored for a little while longer...